More on Dublin, Ireland

Last week I started off my Ireland series with a post on our visit to the Guinness Storehouse, click here to read that post. Here are a few of the other sites we visited during our stay.

Christ Church Cathedral was founded in the 11th century and was rebuilt in the 12th century. Part of the structure collapsed in the 16th century, but it was extensively renovated beginning in the 19th century. St. Laurence O’Toole became the archbishop here in 1162. He was known as a kind man and cared for orphans and worked hard to promote peace between Ireland and England. He was also known for his powerful prayers; sailors believed that when he was on their ships, no harm would come to them.

After his death, his heart was kept in a heart shaped box in the cathedral. Interestingly, it was stolen in 2012, but was found some years later and returned to its home in the cathedral. Apparently, the thieves (who have never been caught) thought the heart had cursed their families. Click here if you’re interested in the full story. This reminds me of a story I read in the New Yorker a few years ago about the American actor, John Barrymore, who stole a Klingit Totem Pole when he was visiting southeast Alaska on his private yacht. He suffered years of misfortune and bad luck after the theft. Click here to read more. There seems to be much more to the spiritual world than we might ever know.

The Book of Kells and Trinity College Library were two other highlights of our time in Dublin. The Book of Kells is the famous, beautifully crafted Latin copy of the four Biblical Gospels. It is believed that the book was crafted between the 6th and 9th centuries in Irish, English and Scottish monasteries. It has been housed at Trinity College since 1661. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed.

The library was awe-inspiring. The globe in the back was created by artist Luke Jerram, based on NASA imagery. It is titled Gaia, after the mythical goddess who was known as Mother Earth. Needless to say, it was the most popular spot in the library for selfies.

Dublin Castle was another interesting place we visited. Dating to the 13th century, the castle was used as government offices for the English until Ireland gained independence in 1921.

I have much more to share about our time In Ireland, but, on a personal note, I had eye surgery on Monday for a pre-macular condition. The procedure left me temporarily without vision in my left eye. With this type of surgery, a gas bubble is inserted which will dissipate within 5 – 7 days post-operation. Sounds pretty gruesome. It’s very disconcerting and disorientating to have such a severe vision loss, but my doctor assured me that the surgery was a success, and the bubble will be gone soon. Not soon enough for me. That said, my eye is telling me it needs to rest.

As always, I would love to hear from you.

All the best,

Tricia